Volunteer efforts are very important to our society and should not go unnoticed. The National Exchange Club’s longest running project, the Book of Golden Deeds Award, recognizes dedicated volunteers who give endless hours of their time and talents toward making their communities better places to live. Ever since the Exchange Club of Huntington, Ind., sponsored the first award in 1919, thousands of unsung heroes and heroines have been recognized.
Honoring a fellow citizen with the Book of Golden Deeds Award is a heartwarming and inspiring act not only for the honoree, but for any Exchange Club. The Book of Golden Deeds Award exemplifies The National Exchange Club’s beliefs.

Obtaining Nominations

Finding and screening nominees are accomplished in a variety of ways. In most cases, a committee drafts a nomination letter which asks for the names of those who have made significant contributions in the true sense of volunteering. Letters are then distributed to local civic associations, churches, boards of education, fraternal and humanitarian groups, local radio and television stations, newspapers, health and welfare organizations, service clubs, veterans’ organizations, hospital boards, physicians, medical associations, bar associations and public officials. Requests are sent to the local newspapers asking for an insert or advertisement with the nomination form in the community section of the paper. This gives everyone an opportunity to participate.
After the Book of Golden Deeds Award Committee has selected the winner, those groups and individuals that submitted candidates and public are invited to the award presentation for community fellowship.

Selecting the Recipient

When searching for the appropriate volunteer to honor, Exchange seeks a person who is sincere about helping the community, has an exceptional track record of continued, unselfish giving and enjoys volunteering to help others. The recipient can be from any profession or a member of any organization, including Exchange. He or she can be from any walk of life, and should be someone who deserves acclaim, but rarely receives it.
The Book of Golden Deeds Award is not limited to a single volunteer, but can also be presented to a group of individuals such as civic groups, sororities/fraternities, religious groups and charitable organizations.